Grassroots Analyst

Salary Range:

$96,740.00 – $153,571.00

Rank:

NEASO Rank 7

Position Details:

POSITION EMPHASIS:
The position supports the NEA’s strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its 3 million members to promote, protect, and defend public education by providing highly professional expertise in support of all aspects of state legislation and labor coalition coordination for the department of Campaigns and Elections in the Center for Advocacy and Political Action.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The essential functions of this position involve convening cross-center meetings during the legislative session to track education-related legislation (threats and opportunities), communication with other departments to strategize for such legislation, and connecting state affiliates with appropriate departments for resources. The work includes communicating and advocating NEA’s legislative positions to state affiliates; researching, monitoring, and analyzing state legislative policy issues; and developing strategies to assist affiliates in implementing NEA’s strategic goals and legislative agenda, including written and oral reports periodically.

The incumbent communicates, advocates, and builds effective relationships with internal NEA audiences (e.g., affiliates and other departments), as well as external organizations and coalitions to support NEA’s strategic goals. The incumbent also participates and coordinates with other labor partners in the National Labor Table to respond to state threats. The incumbent monitors, tracks, and analyzes state legislation for NEA awareness through a database. The incumbent will also meet with and build relationships with elected leaders, staff, and political committees up and down the ballot. In addition, the incumbent uses a personal computer, associated software, other office technology, and travels frequently.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:
Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Education, Political Science, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills may be acquired.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Five years of professional state lobbying/leading a state caucus and political action experience. Extensive field organizing experience. Professional writing and public speaking experience. Experience with state legislative issues, preferably those pertaining to public education.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Samples of work products (e.g., research memos, briefings, analyses, advocacy materials, etc.) will be required at the time of the interview. Frequent travel required (up to 30 overnights per year).

SELECTION CRITERIA:

TIER 1 (Essential):

• In-depth knowledge of state laws that impact political/grassroots activities.
• Experience researching, analyzing, and evaluating political/grassroots issues and activities.
• Demonstrated written communication skills.
• Skill in developing and conducting oral presentations.
• Knowledge of databases for tracking purposes.
• Experience working with and within coalitions, preferably labor unions.
• Experience working with elected officials.
• Knowledge and familiarity of political committees.
• Experience translating complex ideas into simple, concise, direct prose.
• Experience in and willingness to work in a frenetic and fluid legislative/political environment.
• Proven flexibility and effectiveness in handling multiple and complex projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities/conditions.
• Highly developed and effective interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with labor unions.
• Successful references.

TIER 2 (Significant):

• Knowledge of public school policy issues.
• Experience educating internal and external audiences about NEA political agenda.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided:

The position involves skill in using a computer and/or laptop; oral and written communication skills; skills in proofreading and editing; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal relations skills; reasoning and problem-solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.); and ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.

NEA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability.

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. To apply for this position or to search for other openings, please go to our jobs page at Careers at NEA (myworkdayjobs.com).

NEA Participates in E-Verify. Read more here: E-Verify Participation & Right to Work.

NEA complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023.

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